KR20200006954A - Damper mechanism of steering wheel and steering wheel apparatus for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided are a damper device of a steering wheel and a steering wheel device for a vehicle, which can secure a damping effect similar to a conventional one, miniaturize an airbag module and reduce costs. The damper device of a steering wheel includes: two damper units (11) which are provided between the steering wheel (1) and the airbag module (2) serving as a damper mass to damp vibration of the steering wheel; and an engagement device (a hook of a plate-shaped damper (18)) which is provided in parallel with the damper unit between the steering wheel and the airbag module and holds the steering wheel and the airbag module to allow their relative displacement.

Description

Damper mechanism of steering wheel and steering wheel device for vehicle {DAMPER MECHANISM OF STEERING WHEEL AND STEERING WHEEL APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE}

The present invention relates to a damper mechanism of a steering wheel and a steering wheel device for a vehicle, which can secure a damping effect comparable to the related art, can downsize the airbag module, and can also reduce cost.

Patent document 1 is known about the technique which assembled the damper unit which damps the vibration of a steering wheel between the conventional steering wheel and the airbag module which becomes a damper mass.

In the "steering wheel device" of Patent Document 1, the steering wheel is provided in the boss area and the boss area, and the airbag module, which functions as a horn switch, a plurality of holes provided in the rear surface of the housing of the airbag module, the hole part A damper joined to each inner edge at each inner side thereof, and a pin is inserted into each of the hole portions in a rod shape and joined to the dampers provided at the hole portions, and the other end is connected to the boss region. The damper absorbs the vibration transmitted from the steering shaft when the vehicle travels between the boss area and the airbag module by the elastic force, and returns the airbag module released from the crew to the initial position before the crew is pressed during the horn operation. It is supposed to be.

Inverted isosceles triangles, two dampers on the left and right sides of the airbag module installed in the boss area, and one on the left and right sides of the airbag module, based on the neutral position of the steering wheel. It is arrange | positioned at each vertex of and three are provided.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-71402

The dampers of the unit type have a large portion of the dampers, so that each damper has a large size. Therefore, in order to install three dampers, a large space was needed. For this reason, the airbag module provided with three dampers was enlarged.

In addition, three dampers were arranged at each vertex of an isosceles triangle shape, and one of the dampers was attached to the lower side of the airbag module, thereby increasing the dimensions of the airbag module in the vertical direction. In addition, the use of three dampers in the unit form has led to an increase in cost.

The present invention was devised in view of the above-described conventional problems, and it is possible to ensure a damping effect comparable to the conventional one, to miniaturize the airbag module, and to reduce the cost of the steering wheel damper mechanism and the steering wheel device for a vehicle. The purpose is to provide.

The damper mechanism of the steering wheel according to the present invention is provided with one or two damper units disposed between the steering wheel and the airbag module serving as a damper mass, and between the steering wheel and the airbag module to damp vibration of the steering wheel. And an engaging mechanism provided in parallel with the damper unit to hold the steering wheel and the airbag module so that their relative displacement is possible.

It is preferable that the engagement mechanism has a hook portion. The engagement mechanism preferably constitutes a plate-like damper that damps vibrations of the steering wheel. The plate-shaped damper is preferably formed by resin molding from a synthetic resin material.

Preferably, the airbag module includes a synthetic resin housing holding the damper unit, and the plate-shaped damper is integrally formed in the housing by resin molding. It is preferable that the damper unit has a sleeve for holding an elastic body, and the sleeve is formed integrally with the synthetic resin housing and the plate-shaped damper.

Preferably, the airbag module includes a metal housing that holds the damper unit, and the plate-shaped damper is integrally formed in the housing by overmolding resin.

The airbag module includes a metal housing that holds the damper unit and constitutes a horn contact that is in contact with and separated from the horn contact on the steering wheel side, wherein the damper on the plate is formed of an insulating synthetic resin material, It is preferable to attach.

It is preferable that the damper unit has a sleeve for holding an elastic body, and the sleeve is formed integrally with the housing.

The plate-shaped damper includes a leaf spring having a joint portion joined to the airbag module and a fitting portion for the steering wheel, wherein the leaf spring is elastically bendable and deformable between the fitting portion and the joint portion. desirable.

It is preferable that the damper unit is provided on the airbag module side and has a pin for attaching to the steering wheel, and the pin protrudes from the fitting part so as to be attached in advance of the fitting part.

Preferably, the fitting portion is provided with an elastic piece elastically contactable with the steering wheel.

The fitting portion is preferably provided with a holding portion for holding the plate-shaped damper on the steering wheel. When the elastic piece is in contact with the steering wheel, a gap is preferably formed between the retaining portion and the steering wheel.

The airbag module includes an inflator, the housing having an inflator attachment surface, and a horn cover covering the inflator from an opposite side of the inflator attachment surface, wherein the joining portion of the plate-shaped damper is larger than the inflator attachment surface. Preferably, the housing is joined to the housing at a position adjacent to the horn cover side.

The plate-shaped damper preferably includes a leaf spring having a joint to the steering wheel and a fitting to the airbag module, the leaf spring being elastically bent and deformable between the fitting and the joint.

It is preferable that the damper unit is provided on the steering wheel, has a pin for attaching to the airbag module, and the pin protrudes from the fitting part so as to be attached before the fitting part.

It is preferable that the said fitting part is provided with the elastic piece which can elastically contact the said airbag module.

The fitting portion is preferably provided with a holding portion for holding the plate-shaped damper in the airbag module. When the elastic piece is in contact with the airbag module, it is preferable that a gap is formed between the holding portion and the airbag module.

Preferably, an elastic support member is installed between the steering wheel and the airbag module in parallel with the damper on the plate.

The plate-shaped damper is integrally formed with an insulating sheet portion, and a metal elastic support member is provided between the steering wheel and the airbag module in parallel with the plate-shaped damper, and the metal elastic support member is the insulating sheet. It is preferable to be installed in the housing through the part.

The airbag module includes the housing on which the inflator is mounted and fixed, and an attachment plate on which the horn cover covering the inflator is mounted and fixed, wherein the insulating sheet part is installed on the attachment plate facing the housing. It is preferable to fix by attachment of the said attachment plate and the said housing.

The damper unit is preferably disposed at the center in the vertical direction of the airbag module based on the neutral position of the steering wheel. The damper unit is preferably disposed adjacent to the upper end side from the center in the vertical direction of the airbag module based on the neutral position of the steering wheel. When two damper units are installed, the damper units may be disposed adjacent to both the left and right sides of the airbag module based on the neutral position of the steering wheel.

It is preferable that the said plate-shaped damper is arrange | positioned adjacent to the up-down direction lower side of the said steering wheel on the basis of the neutral position of the said steering wheel.

A vehicular steering wheel device according to the present invention is provided with a damper mechanism of the steering wheel.

In the damper mechanism of the steering wheel and the steering wheel device for vehicles according to the present invention, a damping effect comparable to the conventional one is ensured, the airbag module can be miniaturized, and the cost down can be achieved.

1 is a schematic overall perspective view of an example of a steering wheel device for a vehicle to which a damper mechanism of a steering wheel according to the present invention is applied.
It is a side view which shows 1st Embodiment of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel which concerns on this invention, and a steering wheel apparatus for vehicles.
3 is a perspective view of the airbag module of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 2 seen from the housing side.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 2, in which a plate-shaped damper is installed between the airbag module and the steering wheel from the horn cover side of the airbag module. FIG.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the airbag module of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 2.
6 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a plate-shaped damper of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken from arrow AA of FIG. 6.
8 is an enlarged perspective view of the main portion showing a state before the plate-shaped damper shown in FIG. 6 is retained in the steering wheel.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion showing the state after retaining the plate-shaped damper shown in FIG. 8 on the steering wheel; FIG.
FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating the attachment operation to the steering wheel of the plate-shaped damper shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating an exploded operation from the steering wheel of the plate-shaped damper shown in FIG. 10.
It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the bonding structure of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 2 to the airbag unit side of the plate-shaped damper.
FIG. 13: is explanatory drawing explaining the other modified example of the joining structure of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 2 to the airbag unit side of a damper on plate, FIG. 13A is a perspective view which shows the state before joining, FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows.
It is a perspective view of the airbag module provided in 2nd Embodiment of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel which concerns on this invention, and a steering wheel apparatus for vehicles.
15 is an exploded perspective view of the airbag module of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel shown in FIG. 14.
It is a perspective view of the airbag module with which the damper mechanism of the steering wheel which concerns on this invention, and 3rd Embodiment of a vehicle steering wheel apparatus are provided.
It is a perspective view of the airbag module provided in the 4th Embodiment of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel which concerns on this invention, and a steering wheel apparatus for vehicles.
FIG. 18 is a plan view of a plate-shaped damper provided in the airbag module shown in FIG. 17.
It is a side view of the airbag module which shows the modification of arrangement | positioning of the pin and plate-shaped damper applicable to each embodiment of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel and the steering wheel device for vehicles which concerns on this invention.
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the arrangement of the damper unit of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel shown in FIGS. 2, 14, 16, and 17, and FIG. 20A is an upper and lower sides of the airbag module based on the neutral position of the steering wheel. 20B is a figure which shows the case where it arrange | positions adjacent to the upper end side from the center in the up-down direction of an airbag module, respectively when it arrange | positions in the center in a direction.
Fig. 21 is a sectional view showing the main parts of an example of an attachment structure of a horn cover to an attachment plate of a damper mechanism of a steering wheel and a steering wheel device for a vehicle according to the present invention.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, the most suitable embodiment of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel and the steering wheel device for vehicles which concern on this invention is described in detail with reference to an accompanying drawing. 1 and 2 are views illustrating an outline of a steering wheel 1 of a steering wheel device for a vehicle to which a damper mechanism of a steering wheel according to the present invention is applied.

In FIG. 1, a perspective view of the entire steering wheel 1 is illustrated, and a side cross-sectional view is illustrated in FIG. 2. In addition, in the following drawings including FIG. 1, each direction is illustrated assuming that the steering position of the steering wheel 1 attached to a vehicle becomes a neutral position. For example, the Z axis is in the direction of the front wheel of the vehicle of the steering column (steering shaft) which is not shown in the figure, and the direction of the steering wheel 1 is in the upper direction.

In addition, in the plane orthogonal to this Z-axis, the 12 o'clock position of the analog 12-hour clock is set to the front side of the vehicle, and the 3 o'clock (right) direction from the 9 o'clock (left) to the X-axis and 6 o'clock (rear Direction) from 12 o'clock (front direction) to the Y axis. In addition, the side seen from the driver side is made into the front side, and the other side is described as the back side.

The steering wheel 1 is installed in the driver's seat of the vehicle and is connected to a steering shaft passing through an interior of a steering column (not shown) to transmit a driver's operating force to a steering gear or the like.

In the center of the steering wheel 1 is attached an airbag module 2 which functions as a front airbag in an emergency. Although the description of this airbag module 2 is abbreviate | omitted, it normally functions also as a horn switch which a driver presses when a horn sounds.

The driver's side of the airbag module 2 is covered with a resin horn cover 3 that functions as a design surface. The inside of the horn cover 3 is provided with a dish-shaped housing 4. Inside the horn cover 3, the airbag cushion 5 which expands and expands in an emergency is folded and accommodated. An inflator 6 housed in the airbag cushion 5 is attached to the housing 4.

When a signal is sent from the sensor of the vehicle in an emergency, the inflator gas is supplied from the inflator 6 to the airbag cushion 5, and the airbag cushion 5 opens the horn cover 3 and expands into the cabin space. Inflate and constrain the driver.

The base part of the steering wheel 1 is comprised by the core metal member 7 made of metal. The base member 7 comprises an approximately central boss area 8, a circular rim 9 gripped by the driver, and a spoke 10 connecting the boss area 8 and the rim 9. It is. In the boss region 8, a steering shaft is connected.

In addition to the function as the front airbag, the airbag module 2 is provided with a function as a horn switch and a module damper mechanism for damping vibration as described above. The component which implements the function as this horn switch and the module damper mechanism is demonstrated below.

The structure of the airbag module 2 with which the damper mechanism of the steering wheel which concerns on this invention, and the 1st embodiment of the steering wheel apparatus for vehicles is equipped is outlined with reference to FIGS. The airbag module 2 is formed in the shape of a dish in which a main wall 4b is formed around a bottom surface serving as the inflator attaching surface 4a, and the inflator insertion hole 4c is provided at both sides thereof. The metal housing 4 having four through holes for attaching the two damper units, the two damper units 11 mounted on the through holes 4d, and the boss from the housing 4 so as to be slidable to the damper unit 11. The outer circumferential flange 6a is inserted into the inflator insertion hole 4c from the opposite side of the main wall 4b (the base member 7 side) and the metal pin 12 inserted toward the region 8. An inflator 6 provided in contact with the inflator attaching surface 4a of (4), a metal attachment plate 13 provided toward the pin 12 from the circumferential wall 4b side and housed in the housing 4; Attached to the attachment plate 13 from the circumferential wall 4b side with a bolt 14a, the attachment plate The bolt 13a which penetrates the sheet | seat 13, the bottom face 4a of the housing 4, and the outer flange 6a of the inflator 6 is fastened with the nut 15, and the inflator 6 etc. are fastened to the housing 4 A metal retainer ring (14) and an airbag cushion (5) to be fixed thereto, and are installed to cover the inflator (6) and the like from the side opposite to the bottom of the inflator attachment surface (4a). Is composed of a synthetic resin horn cover 3 fixed to the circumferential wall 4b of the housing 4 with a rivet 16.

On the pin 12 protruding from the bottom face 4a of the housing 4, a horn spring (coil spring) 17 is provided to surround it. In addition, the bottom face 4a of the housing 4 is placed on the opposite side of the circumferential wall 4b to sandwich the plate-shaped damper 18 described later from both sides along the X-axis direction, and is made of two metals that are elastic support members. Coil spring 19 is installed. These coil springs 19 are provided between the base member 7 and the airbag module 2 (housing 4).

2 to 5, one or two (two in the drawing) damper units 11 are disposed in the housing 4 in the airbag module 2. The damper unit 11 is a member that elastically attaches the housing 4 to the base member 7, and forms a center of the module damper mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 20A, the two damper units 11 have a vertical direction (Y-axis direction) of the airbag module 2 (housing 4) with respect to the neutral position of the steering wheel 1. It is disposed in the center of the vertical direction.

In addition, the damper unit 11 is disposed adjacent to the left and right sides with respect to the left and right directions (X-axis directions) of the airbag module 2 (housing 4) on the basis of the neutral position of the steering wheel 1. . Preferably, the two damper units 11 are arranged equidistant from the central axis C in the left and right directions of the airbag module 2 (housing 4).

The rod-shaped pin 12 protrudes from the damper unit 11 toward the boss region 8 of the base member 7 in the Z-axis direction (see FIG. 2). The pin 12 is fixed to the base member 7 so that the steering wheel 1 and the airbag module 2 are connected. And a damper unit 11 for suppressing the vibration of the steering wheel 1 is disposed between the airbag module 2 and the steering wheel (1).

As shown in FIG. 3, the pin 12 passes through the coiled horn spring 17 and is inserted into the base member 7. Horn spring 17 is provided between the airbag module 2 and the base member 7 to secure a gap therebetween. Then, during the horn operation, the airbag module 2 released from the pressurization operation by the driver (refer to the arrow B in FIG. 2) is separated from the base member 7 and returned to the original position.

The damper unit 11, when outlined, covers and holds an annular elastic body for damping vibration with a sleeve made of an annular synthetic resin, and the inside of the elastic body is free to slide the damper unit 11 freely. The pin 12 is inserted and comprised.

The sleeve is attached to the through hole 4d formed in the housing 4 constituting the airbag module 2, whereby the damper unit 11 is fixed to the airbag module 2.

The airbag module 2 is freely mounted to the steering wheel 1 side via the pin 12 in a state in which the airbag module 2 is elastically supported by the damper unit 11 having an elastic body with respect to the steering wheel 1. .

The vibration of the steering wheel 1 is transmitted to the damper unit 11 through the pin 12, and the transmitted vibration is attenuated in the damper unit 11 which makes the airbag module 2 a damper mass.

With respect to the horn function, when the airbag module 2 is pressed against the steering wheel 1 and advanced, the damper unit 11 provided on the airbag module 2 slides with respect to the pin 12, and the horn spring ( 17) is compressed. Thereby, the contact (not shown) provided in each of the airbag module 2 side and the steering wheel 1 side is electrically connected, and a horn sounds.

When the pressure of the airbag module 2 is released, the horn spring 17 elastically restores the airbag module 2 to retreat, whereby the contact is dropped to stop the ringing.

2 to 5, the relative displacement of the steering wheel 1 and the airbag module 2 between the base member 7 of the steering wheel 1 and the housing 4 of the airbag module 2 is shown. Is provided in parallel with the damper unit 11 as a plate-shaped damper 18 as a retaining mechanism that can be held.

In particular, the relative displacement refers to a variation in the separation distance generated between the steering wheel 1 and the airbag module 2 due to the vibration of the steering wheel 1 and the damping by the damper unit 11, and the engagement mechanism This distance is allowed to fluctuate.

The plate-shaped damper 18 is disposed adjacent to the up-down direction (Y-axis direction) below the steering wheel 1 on the basis of the neutral position of the steering wheel 1. In the positional relationship with the damper unit 11, it is arrange | positioned adjacent to these damper units 11 below (6 o'clock side) as a center between two damper units 11.

Therefore, the damper unit 11 and the plate-shaped damper 18 are provided in the vertex of the inverted isosceles triangle with respect to the airbag module 2, and are installed. Moreover, the two coil springs 19 mentioned above are arrange | positioned at the left and right both sides of the plate-shaped damper 18 along the X-axis direction.

As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the plate-shaped damper 18 mainly includes a leaf spring (metal or synthetic resin) 20, and is provided with an elastic piece 21 attached thereto. The plate-shaped damper 18 transmits vibrations from the steering wheel 1 to the airbag module 2 by its elastic action, and cooperates with the airbag module 2 serving as a damper mass to vibrate the steering wheel 1. (Mainly vibration in the Y-axis direction) is damped by elastic action by plate bending.

The plate damper 18 may be made of metal such as steel or stainless steel, or may be formed of a synthetic resin by resin molding. As a synthetic resin material, 66 nylon, glass compounded 66 nylon, polypropylene (PP), and polyacetal (POM) are preferable.

In the case where the housing 4 is made of synthetic resin, it is possible to integrally mold the plate-shaped damper 18, and the sleeve can also be integrally molded with the housing 4 and the plate-shaped damper 18.

In the state shown in FIG. 6, the plate-shaped damper 18 becomes the junction part 18a which joins the upper end side with the housing 4 of the airbag module 2 along a vertical longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction), The lower end side becomes a fitting portion to the steering wheel 1, and in the first embodiment, the fitting portion includes an elastic piece 21 to be described later, and is provided on the base member 7 of the steering wheel 1. It is comprised as the holding | maintenance part 18b hold | maintained at 22.

In detail, as shown in FIG. 6, the small hole 24 for driving the rivet 23 is formed in the junction part 18a of the plate-shaped damper 18, and the junction part 18a and the retention part 18b are formed. A window portion 25 is formed between the two sides, and an insertion for pressing and attaching the elastic piece 21 to the grate 26 under the window portion 25, as shown in FIG. A hole 27 is formed, and a concave notch 28 is formed below the grate 26.

The joining portion 18a abuts on the circumferential wall 4b of the housing 4 and is joined to the housing 4 with a rivet 23. Since the circumferential wall 4b of the housing 4 is granular from the bottom surface which becomes the inflator attachment surface 4a, and the horn cover 3 is a part fixed by the rivet 16, the junction part 18a is It is joined to the housing 4 at a position closer to the horn cover 3 side than the inflator attaching surface 4a.

The holding | maintenance part 18b is formed in the form which pushes toward the plate | board thickness direction of the leaf | plate spring 20 in either direction from the width direction both edges of the plate surface of the leaf | plate spring 20.

In the holding | maintenance part 18b, the taper-shaped edge toward the lower end which pushes away from a plate surface from the upper end with large pushing out from a plate surface becomes a slide guide 29 in the vertical direction of the leaf spring 20, and pushes large The upper end of the pan becomes the hook 30.

The holding part 18b is formed by folding back of the plate-shaped damper 18 mainly having the leaf spring 20, and as shown, it is formed including the plate-shaped hook 30. As shown in FIG.

The plate-shaped damper 18 is capable of restoring plate bending freely by the elasticity of the leaf spring 20 between the retaining portion 18b and the joining portion 18a.

The elastic piece 21 is made of rubber materials such as ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), silicone rubber, nitrile rubber (NBR), synthetic resin such as 66 nylon, glass compounded 66 nylon, polypropylene (PP), and polyacetal (POM). Material and the like.

The elastic piece 21 has a main body portion 21a appearing on the holding portion 18b side of the plate-shaped damper 18 and an insertion portion 21b protruding from the main body portion 21a and inserted into the insertion hole 27. ) And a locking portion 21c which protrudes from the insertion portion 21b and is locked to the grate 26 on the side opposite to the main body portion 21a to fix the elastic piece 21 to the leaf spring 20. It is configured. At the upper end of the main body portion 21a, a blade portion 21d covering the lower edge of the window portion 25 is provided.

The elastic piece 21 is attached by pressing the locking portion 21c into the leaf spring 20 through the insertion hole 27 so as to be located in the hole 27 into which the insertion portion 21b is inserted. The elastic piece 21 is sandwiched and disposed between the pair of retaining portions 18b. The main body portion 21a is attached to the leaf spring 20 so that the height position of the blade portion 21d is the same as the height position of the hook 30 or is finely high.

4 and 8 to 11, the plate-shaped damper 18 having the elastic piece 21 is held by the support bar 22 of the base member 7 of the steering wheel 1. The support bar 22 is provided to cross the transverse direction with respect to the vertical direction of the leaf spring 20 in which the junction part 18a and the retention part 18b are formed.

The support bar 22 is in the vertical length direction of the leaf spring 20 at the position corresponding to the elastic piece 21, compared with the position corresponding to the pair of holding portions 18b of the plate-shaped damper 18. It protrudes and the convex edge part 22a is formed.

The positional relationship (dimension relationship) between the holding bar 18b of the support bar 22, the plate-shaped damper 18, and the elastic piece 21 is demonstrated. When attaching the plate-shaped damper 18 to the support bar 22, as shown in FIG. 8, the slide guide 29 moves upward from the support bar 22 with respect to the vertical length direction of the leaf spring 20. Is received.

At this time, in the main-body part 21a of the elastic piece 21, the thickness in the plate thickness direction of the leaf spring 20 is set to the thickness dimension which does not contact the edge part 22a. In contrast, the end portion 22a is set to an upwardly projecting dimension that does not contact the main body portion 21a.

In addition, the slide guide 29 is set to the pushing-out dimension which does not contact the end part 22a and the main-body part 21a when abutting the support bar 22. As shown in FIG.

When the slide guide 29 is moved downward, since the pushing out of the retaining portion 18b gradually increases, the main body portion 21a does not contact the end portion 22a. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the slide guide 29 is cut | disconnected in the middle, and the hook 30 of the holding | maintenance part 18b is immersed below the support bar 22. As shown in FIG.

When the hook 30 is infiltrated under the support bar 22, the blade portion 21d comes in contact with the end portion 22a from below, and there is a gap between the hook 30 and the support bar 22 of the retaining portion 18b. (D) is formed. In addition, setting is performed so that a clearance is retained between the leaf spring 20 and the support bar 22.

In detail, in the main-body part 21a of the elastic piece 21, the thickness in the plate thickness direction of the leaf spring 20 contacts the edge part 22a from the bottom, and the leaf spring 20 and the support bar It is set to the thickness dimension which forms a clearance between 22. Moreover, the downward protrusion dimension of the edge part 22a is set to the dimension which forms the clearance gap D between the hook 30 and the support bar 22, when the blade part 21d contacts.

In summary, in the plate-shaped damper 18, with respect to the support bar 22 on the steering wheel 1 side, only the elastic piece 21 on the airbag module 2 side is dimensioned to be elastically contactable. Since the plate-shaped damper 18 is provided with the hook 30, it can be hold | maintained by the steering wheel 1 reliably.

Fig. 10 shows the attachment operation of the plate-shaped damper, and Fig. 11 shows the disassembly operation.

The plate-shaped damper 18 bonded to the airbag module 2 at the joining portion 18a abuts the slide guide 29 of the retaining portion 18b against the support bar 22 of the steering wheel 1. When it is pushed downward in the direction (see arrow E in the figure), as shown in FIG. 10, the leaf spring 20 is elastically bent and deformed.

Then, when the hook 30 of the holding part 18b reaches below the support bar 22, the leaf spring 20 will elastically restore | restore, and the hook 30 will sneak under the support bar 22, As a result, the plate-shaped damper 18 is attached to and held by the support bar 22.

On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 11, when the plate-shaped damper 18 is disassembled from the steering wheel 1, if the hook 30 is pushed away from under the support bar 22 (in the drawing, the arrow ( (F)), when the leaf spring 20 is elastically deformed and pulled upward as it is, the slide guide 29 abuts on the support bar 22, and further pulls it up from the support bar 22. Departure.

The operation of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel and the vehicle steering wheel device according to the first embodiment will be described. In parallel with the damper unit 11 between the steering wheel 1 and the airbag module 2, the steering wheel ( 1) and an engagement mechanism for retaining the airbag module 2 so that their relative displacements are possible, for example, a plate-shaped damper 18 having an engagement function as a specific example, thereby providing an airbag to the steering wheel 1 by means of this engagement mechanism. The module 2 can be stably held, and the damper unit 11 can be adequately and sufficiently exhibited to ensure an excellent damping effect against the vibration of the steering wheel 1.

The engagement mechanism has a hook 30 formed in the shape of a plate, and by this hook 30, the steering wheel 1 and the airbag module 2 can be retained relative to each other so that high productivity and good adhesion are possible. The engagement mechanism provided can be comprised. It is a matter of course that a well-known tab member having the flexibility of being used to attach the curtain airbag to the roof side rail as the engagement mechanism to replace the hook 30 may be hooked to the support bar 22 of the steering wheel 1.

Since the plate-shaped damper 18 is literally plate-shaped, it is compact, and, for example, the airbag module 2 can be miniaturized by disposing in parallel with other damper units 11 instead of all the damper units 11. have.

Moreover, since the damper unit 11 was replaced and the plate-shaped damper 18 was arrange | positioned, cost reduction can be aimed at.

The plate-shaped damper 18 connects the steering wheel 1 and the airbag module 2, and the vibration of the steering wheel 1 is attenuated by the plate-shaped damper 18 with the airbag module 2 as a damper mass. can do. Therefore, with the other damper unit 11, it is possible to secure a damping effect comparable to the conventional.

The plate-shaped damper 18 comprises a leaf spring 20, and the vibration of the steering wheel 1 (mainly in the Y-axis direction) due to elastic action by flapping plate bending of the leaf spring 20. ) Can be damped.

By adjusting the elasticity of the leaf spring 20, the vibration frequency to attenuate can be adjusted.

In addition, the plate spring 20 can be attached to the steering wheel 1 of the plate-shaped damper 18 by elastic bending deformation.

Moreover, since the plate-shaped damper 18 is arrange | positioned adjacent to the up-down direction lower side (6 o'clock side in the Y-axis direction) of the airbag module 2, the dimension of the up-down direction of the airbag module 2 can be made small.

The plate-shaped damper 18 is provided with an elastic piece 21 made of rubber or synthetic resin which can elastically contact the support bar 22 of the steering wheel 1, and the steering wheel 1 through the elastic piece 21. Since the vibration of) is transmitted to the airbag module 2 side, the vibration frequency to be attenuated can be adjusted by the hardness of the elastic piece 21 and the contact value with the support bar 22 of the elastic piece 21.

In addition, adjusting the hardness of the elastic body of the damper unit 11 can also adjust the vibration frequency to attenuate.

When the elastic piece 21 is in contact with the support bar 22, the clearance D is formed between the hook 30 of the retaining portion 18b and the support bar 22, so that the vibration of the steering wheel 1 This can prevent the sound from occurring.

Since the joining between the joining portion 18a of the plate-shaped damper 18 and the housing 4 is set at a position closer to the horn cover 3 side than the inflator attaching surface 4a, the joining operation is simple, and the damper unit ( 11) and the generation position of the damping action by the plate-shaped damper 18 can be matched with each other.

Since the coil spring 19 is provided in parallel with the plate-shaped damper 18, the connection point between the steering wheel 1 and the airbag module 2 by the plate-shaped damper 18 and its surroundings can be stably supported. Can be.

12 and 13 show a modification of the attachment structure of the plate-shaped damper 18 to the housing 4.

In FIG. 12, the joint 18a of the plate-shaped damper 18 is joined to the circumferential wall 4b of the housing 4 by spot welding 31.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view illustrating the attachment of the plate-shaped damper 18 before attachment, and FIG. 13B is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an attachment operation.

The housing 4 is provided with a window hole 32 having a wide portion 32a and a narrow portion 32b in series in the height direction of the circumferential wall 4b. The housing 4 is provided with a passage hole 33 for passing the leaf spring 20 with the elastic piece 21 to the inflator attaching surface 4a at the bottom in accordance with the position of the window hole 32. In this modification, the retaining portion 18b is not provided.

An overhang portion 34 is formed on the joining portion 18a of the plate-shaped damper 18 so as to cover the circumferential wall 4b of the housing 4 at the upper end thereof, and the overhang portion 34 is continuous. As a result, a downward clip portion 35 is formed. The clip part 35 is formed with the narrow insertion part 35a and the wide procession part 35b.

The leaf spring 20 passes through the through hole 33, and the clip portion 35 moves from the outside of the circumferential wall 4b toward the inside of the circumferential wall 4b through the window hole 32, so that the insertion portion 35a is formed. Passing through the narrow portion 32b, the projection portion 35b passes through the wide portion 32a.

And the clip part 35 clamps the circumferential wall 4b from the inside and the outside by pressing down the leaf spring 20, and the joining part 18a is joined with the housing 4 by this.

It goes without saying that these modifications also exhibit the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

14 and 15 show a second embodiment of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel and the vehicle steering wheel device according to the present invention.

In the first embodiment, as the configuration of the airbag module 2, the metal housing 4 is provided with a plate-shaped damper 18 made of metal or synthetic resin. In the second embodiment, the housing 4 and the plate-shaped damper 18 are made of synthetic resin.

The plate-shaped damper 18 is integrally formed in the housing 4 by resin molding. Specifically, the plate-shaped damper 18 is integrated with the housing 4 at the location of the junction 18a. As a result, it is possible to achieve a reduction in the number of parts and a cost down.

As described above, the housing 4 holds the damper unit 11. When integrally molding the housing 4 and the plate-shaped damper 18 by resin molding, it is preferable that the synthetic resin sleeve 11a of the damper unit 11 is integrally formed in the housing 4 by resin molding. This can further reduce the number of parts and cost down.

15, the structure of the airbag module 2 with which 2nd Embodiment is equipped is shown. The airbag module 2 has an inflator insertion hole 4c in the center thereof, a synthetic resin housing 4 in which two sleeves 11a are integrally formed on both sides thereof, and an elastic body 11b in the sleeve 11a. From the two damper unit 11 which is attached and comprised, the metal pin 12 inserted from the housing 4 toward the boss | hub area 8 so that the damper unit 11 can slide, and from the base member 7 side A plurality of inflators 6, which are inserted into the inflator inserting hole 4c, the outer circumferential flange 6a abuts on the inflator attaching surface 4a of the housing 4, and the horn cover 3 are engaged. It has a slit 13a at its outer circumferential edge and is installed facing the inflator attaching surface 4a, and has a metal or synthetic resin attachment plate 13 for housing the housing 4 therein, and a bolt having a horn 14a. Attached to the attachment plate 13 from the cover 3 side, attachment play (13), the bottom surface 4a of the housing 4, and the bolt 14a penetrating the outer circumferential flange 6a of the inflator 6 are fastened to the nut 15, and the inflator 6 or the like is connected to the housing 4. The retainer ring 14 and the airbag cushion 5, which are fixed to the housing, accommodate the inflator 6 and the like from the side opposite to the bottom surface of the inflator attachment surface 4a, and are provided with a plurality of locking pieces at the periphery of the opening. And a synthetic resin horn cover 3 held by the slit 13a of the attachment plate 13 by (3a).

The other structure is the same as that of 1st Embodiment. It goes without saying that the second embodiment also exhibits the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

16, the 3rd Embodiment of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel which concerns on this invention, and the steering wheel apparatus for vehicles is shown. In the third embodiment, the housing 4 holding the damper unit 11 is made of metal, and the plate-shaped damper 18 is formed integrally with the housing 4 by over-molding resin molding.

Since the plate-shaped damper 18 is formed integrally with the housing 4, the reduction of the number of parts and the cost down can be achieved similarly to the second embodiment. The structure of 3rd Embodiment can be performed similarly to the assembly of 2nd Embodiment shown in FIG.

The other structure is the same as that of 1st and 2nd embodiment. It goes without saying that the third embodiment also exhibits the same effects as the above embodiments.

17 and 18 show a fourth embodiment of the damper mechanism of the steering wheel and the vehicle steering wheel device according to the present invention.

In the fourth embodiment, the housing 4 assembled on the airbag module 2 side is made of a conductive metal, and the pin 12 provided on the steering wheel 1 side is made of a conductive metal. It is a case where the horn contact which contacts and isolates 4) and the pin 12 is carried out.

By pressing the horn cover 3 of the airbag module 2 under the pressing force of the horn spring 17 toward the base member 7 side, the housing 4 comes into contact with the pin 12, whereby the horn rings.

When the airbag module 2 (horn cover 3) is pushed back by the horn spring 17, the housing 4 is separated from the pin 12, and the ringing stops.

The plate-shaped damper 18 attached to the housing 4 is in this case formed of an insulating synthetic resin material.

Moreover, in each said embodiment, the metal elastic support member 19 is provided in parallel with the plate-shaped damper 18 between the housing 4 and the base member 7. When the housing 4 is used as a horn contact, when the elastic support member 19 has conduction, the horn function cannot be secured.

In the fourth embodiment, the elastic support member 19 is provided using the plate-shaped damper 18 made of an insulating synthetic resin material.

As shown in FIG. 18, in the said junction part 18a of the plate-shaped damper 18, the insulating sheet part 36 is integrally formed in the X-axis direction both sides. A pair of projections 36a are formed on both end sides of the insulating sheet portion 36.

One end of two elastic support members 19 is fitted to these protrusions 36a, and the two elastic support members 19 are attached to the housing 4 via the insulating sheet portion 36. Thereby, conduction by the elastic support member 19 is interrupted | blocked, and a horn function can be ensured.

In 4th Embodiment, unlike the 2nd and 3rd Embodiment, the plate-shaped damper 18 is comprised by the member separate from the housing 4.

Attachment of the plate-shaped damper 18 is performed by first separating the insulating sheet portion 36 of the plate-shaped damper 18 between the housing 4 on the inflator 6 side and the attachment plate 13 on the horn cover 3 side. Facing the housing 4, it is temporarily attached to the attachment plate (13).

Subsequently, in the operation of attaching the attachment plate 13 to the housing 4 (operation of fastening the inflator 6 to the retainer ring 14), the plate-shaped damper 18 including the insulating sheet portion 36 is provided. Is joined between the attachment plate 13 and the housing 4, thereby fixing the plate-shaped damper 18 to the housing 4 side.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, even when the housing 4 is used for the horn contact, the plate-shaped damper 18 and the elastic support member 19 can be assembled with reasonably low parts points and simple workability at low cost. have.

In FIG. 19, the modification of the arrangement | positioning of the pin 12 and plate-shaped damper 18 applicable to each said embodiment is shown. This modification is a structure which can improve the adhesiveness to the base member 7 of the airbag module 2 which assembled the fin 12 and the plate-shaped damper 18. As shown in FIG.

The damper unit 11 provided on the airbag module 2 side has a pin 12 for inserting and attaching to the boss region 8 of the steering wheel 1 as described above.

As shown by the imaginary line H in this figure, this pin 12 protrudes more than the fitting part 18b so that it may be attached to the base metal member 7 before the fitting part 18b.

By setting the pin 12 to the base member 7 in advance, the elastic piece 21 of the plate-shaped damper 18 is moved to the steering wheel 1 side, for example, the support bar 22. When engaging with, the positional displacement of the pin 12 in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock directions can be suppressed by the operation reaction force, and the attachment position accuracy of the damper unit 11 can be improved.

In each of the above embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20A, the damper unit 11 is positioned up and down (Y-axis direction) of the housing 4 of the airbag module 2 based on the neutral position of the steering wheel 1. Since it is disposed at the center in the center, it is possible to easily adjust the vibration frequency to attenuate.

However, as shown in FIG. 20B, the damper unit is based on the neutral position of the steering wheel 1, and is the upper end side from the center in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) of the housing 4 of the airbag module 2. It may be arranged adjacent to (indicated by the shift of the position of the through hole 4d with respect to the distance G from the center of the housing 4 to the upper end in the drawing 4).

An example of the attachment structure of the horn cover 3 to the attachment plate 13 is shown in FIG.

The attachment plate 13 is formed with a slit 13a into which the locking piece 3a of the horn cover 3 is inserted freely.

The inflator attachment surface 4a of the housing 4 overlaps the attachment plate 13 by fastening the inflator 6 to the retainer ring 14 with the nut 15. When the housing 4 and the attachment plate 13 overlap, the periphery of the housing 4 is partially covered by the slit 13a.

Thereby, the locking piece 3a inserted in the slit 13a is pressed by the periphery of the housing 4 to the position shown by a solid line from the state shown by a broken line, and fluctuating | regulated.

The horn cover 3 is attached to the attachment plate 13 by the rocking | fluctuation regulation of the locking piece 3a with respect to the attachment plate 13. Thereby, the horn cover 3 can be easily and skillfully fixed with the attachment plate 13 only by fastening the nut 15 to the bolt 14a of the retainer ring 14.

In each of the above embodiments, two damper units 11 are disposed adjacent to both the left and right directions (X-axis direction) of the airbag module 2 on the basis of the neutral position of the steering wheel 1. Although it demonstrated, it is a matter of course that even one structure may be installed.

In each said embodiment, although the case where the damper unit 11 was provided in the airbag module 2 side (through hole 4d of the housing 4) was demonstrated, you may make it install in the steering wheel 1 side on the contrary. .

In each said embodiment, although the case where the junction part 18a of the plate-shaped damper 18 was bonded to the airbag module 2 side, and the holding part 18b is hold | maintained at the steering wheel 1 side was demonstrated, on the contrary, the junction part You may join 18a to the steering wheel 1 side, and hold the holding | maintenance part 18b in the airbag module 2 side.

In the case of the assembly in which the damper unit 11 and the plate-shaped damper 18 are assembled from the steering wheel 1 side to the airbag module 2 side, for example, the plate-shaped damper 18 is joined to the steering wheel 1. And a leaf spring 20 having a fitting portion 18b to the airbag module 2, the leaf spring 20 being resilient between these fitting portions 18b and the bonding portion 18a. A configuration capable of bending deformation can be adopted.

In addition, the damper unit 11 is provided in the steering wheel 1 and has a pin 12 for attaching to the airbag module 2, and the pin 12 is attached to the fitting portion so as to be attached before the fitting portion 18b. The structure which protrudes rather than 18b) can be employ | adopted.

In addition, the plate-shaped damper 18 is provided with an elastic piece 21 elastically contactable with the airbag module 2, but the plate-shaped damper 18 holds the plate-shaped damper 18 in the airbag module 2. Or a configuration in which a gap D is formed between the retaining portion 18b and the airbag module 2 when the elastic piece 21 contacts the airbag module 2. It is preferable to employ.

The damper mechanism of the steering wheel and the steering wheel device for a vehicle mentioned above are preferable examples of the present invention, and other embodiments can be implemented or performed in various ways. In particular, unless otherwise noted, the present invention is not limited to the shape, size, configuration, and the like of the detailed parts shown in the accompanying drawings. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

1: steering wheel
2: airbag module
3: horn cover
4: housing
4a: inflator attachment surface
6: inflator
11: damper unit
11a: sleeve
11b: elastomer
12: pin
13: attachment plate
18: Damper on plate
18a: junction
18b: Retention part (fitting part)
19: coil spring
20: leaf spring
21: elastic piece
30: hook
36: insulation sheet part
D: clearance between elastic piece and support bar

Claims (28)

A damper unit provided between the steering wheel and the airbag module serving as a damper mass to damp vibration of the steering wheel;
And an engaging mechanism provided in parallel between said steering wheel and said airbag module and said damper unit, said engagement mechanism holding said steering wheel and said airbag module so that relative displacement is possible. The method of claim 1,
And the engagement mechanism has a hook portion. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
And said engaging mechanism constitutes a plate-shaped damper for damping vibration of said steering wheel. The method of claim 3,
The damper mechanism of the steering wheel, characterized in that the plate-shaped damper is formed by resin molding from a synthetic resin material. The method according to claim 3 or 4,
The airbag module includes a synthetic resin housing for holding the damper unit,
And said plate-shaped damper is integrally formed in said housing by resin molding. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
And said damper unit has a sleeve for holding an elastic body, said sleeve being integrally formed with said synthetic resin housing and said plate-shaped damper. The method according to claim 3 or 4,
The airbag module includes a metal housing holding the damper unit,
And said plate-shaped damper is integrally formed in said housing by over-molding resin molding. The method according to claim 3 or 4,
The airbag module includes a metal housing that holds the damper unit and constitutes a horn contact that is in contact with and separated from the horn contact on the steering wheel side,
And said plate-shaped damper is formed of an insulating synthetic resin material and attached to said housing. The method according to claim 7 or 8,
And said damper unit has a sleeve for holding an elastic body, said sleeve being integrally formed with said housing. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 9,
The plate-shaped damper comprises a leaf spring having a junction to the airbag module and a fitting to the steering wheel,
The leaf spring is elastically bendable and deformable between these fitting portions and the joint portion, wherein the damper mechanism of the steering wheel. The method of claim 10,
The damper unit is installed on the airbag module side has a pin for attaching to the steering wheel,
The pin is a damper mechanism of the steering wheel, characterized in that protruding from the fitting portion so as to be attached in advance of the fitting portion. The method according to claim 10 or 11,
The fitting part is provided with a damper mechanism of a steering wheel, characterized in that an elastic piece that is elastically contactable with the steering wheel is provided. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12,
The fitting portion is provided with a damper mechanism for a steering wheel, characterized in that a holding portion for holding the plate-shaped damper on the steering wheel is provided. The method of claim 13,
And a gap is formed between the retaining portion and the steering wheel when the elastic piece is in contact with the steering wheel. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14,
The airbag module includes an inflator, the housing having an inflator attachment surface, and a horn cover covering the inflator from an opposite side of the inflator attachment surface,
And the joining portion of the plate-shaped damper is joined to the housing at a position closer to the horn cover side than the inflator attaching surface. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 9,
The damper on the plate includes a leaf spring having a joint to the steering wheel and a fitting to the airbag module,
The leaf spring is elastically bendable and deformable between these fitting portions and the joint portion, wherein the damper mechanism of the steering wheel. The method of claim 16,
The damper unit is installed on the steering wheel, and has a pin for attaching to the airbag module,
The pin is a damper mechanism of the steering wheel, characterized in that protruding from the fitting portion so as to be attached in advance of the fitting portion. The method according to claim 16 or 17,
The fitting part is provided with a damper mechanism for a steering wheel, characterized in that an elastic piece that is elastically contactable with the airbag module is provided. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18,
The fitting portion is provided with a damper mechanism of the steering wheel, characterized in that the holding portion for holding the plate-shaped damper in the airbag module. The method of claim 19,
And a clearance gap is formed between the retaining portion and the airbag module when the elastic piece contacts the airbag module. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 20,
The damper mechanism of the steering wheel, characterized in that the elastic support member is provided between the steering wheel and the airbag module in parallel with the damper on the plate. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 20,
The plate-shaped damper is integrally formed with an insulating sheet portion, and a metal elastic support member is provided between the steering wheel and the airbag module in parallel with the plate-shaped damper, and the metal elastic support member is the insulation. Damper mechanism of the steering wheel, characterized in that installed in the housing through the seat portion. The method of claim 22,
The airbag module includes the housing to which the inflator is mounted and fixed, and an attachment plate to which the horn cover covering the inflator is attached and fixed.
And said insulating sheet portion is attached to said attachment plate facing said housing, and is fixed by attachment of said attachment plate and said housing. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 23,
The damper unit is a damper mechanism of the steering wheel, characterized in that disposed in the center in the vertical direction of the airbag module on the basis of the neutral position of the steering wheel. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 23,
The damper unit is a damper mechanism of the steering wheel, characterized in that disposed on the basis of the neutral position of the steering wheel, adjacent to the upper end from the center in the vertical direction of the airbag module. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 25,
When two damper units are installed, the damper mechanism of the steering wheel is disposed adjacent to both the left and right sides of the airbag module based on the neutral position of the steering wheel. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 26,
The damper mechanism of the steering wheel, wherein the damper on the plate is disposed adjacent to the up-down direction of the steering wheel on the basis of the neutral position of the steering wheel. A vehicle steering wheel device comprising the damper mechanism of the steering wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 27.

Images